Qiaira Riley

"Hyde Park", Woman Figure, Portrait, Chicago business, Acrylic on Wood

2018

"Come Out and Play" is an original piece by Qiaira Riley made from acrylic paint on found wood. This piece measures measures 24"h x 14"w unframed. "Inspired by the changing visual landscape of my hometown of Chicago, I created these works to explore how the gentrification of the south-side disrupts intimate, private memories associated with public spaces in the name of urban "renewal," even creating commodifiable opportunities to make community memories public and profitable, yet not sacred. I was attending a suburban private liberal arts college; many classmates often seemed obsessed with fantastical, cheap narratives about my community and the folks in it that deeply contrasted the memories of love and care I had grown up with. These works remember and reclaim these spaces while showing off my favorite public treasures, sights, and delicacies. There are also odes to the sweet parts of my adolescence that I hope urban development will not shift: running around the city with my father, who has worked for the Chicago Park District for over 25 years, my mom getting me a 6 piece from Harold's Chicken whenever I got a good report card, or stopping by Zberry, the city's first black-woman owned froyo shop to get a treat after school. I moved to Philadelphia that same year with just two suitcases, my art supplies storage...

This figurative painting titled "ELEGANT" is an original artwork by Lauren Rinaldi made of oil on canvas. This piece measures 60"h x 30"w. Please note: Artwork will be on display at The State Museum of Pennsylvania (300 North St, Harrisburg, PA) from September 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022, and will be shipped to collectors after the museum exhibition. Rinaldi’s new series was inspired by the feminist debate on how women's appearances are constantly judged, criticized and dissected; often done so with the intent of diminishing their work and contributions. This issue is prevalent in all industries, but especially in the very public and important realm of politics. Throughout mainstream media, Rinaldi found countless examples of coverage depicting what a female politician was wearing and why it was deemed “inappropriate”, rather than discussing their policies. Typical of Rinaldi’s practice, most of the works found in Representative are not classic portraits, but zoomed in studies of the subject’s legs, shoes and body from the neck down. By doing so, the work focuses on the experiences and outside societal forces that these women, and women like them, have faced. To create the works in Representative, Rinaldi used sourced photographs of female politicians that felt meaningful and powerful to her. Before painting or drawing, Rinaldi manipulates each image through cropping, elongating or changing its composition, background and color. Color is especially important in Representative, as it is an expression that is frequently rejected or criticized in politics by men. Rinaldi uses vibrant jewel tones and color swaps, like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s jacket from black to fuchsia, to represent the bold new ideas and diversity these women are bringing to United States politics. While Rinaldi does not specifically name any of her subjects, viewers will be able to recognize familiar leaders from across both sides of the aisle. Visitors will see snippets of stories through these works, like Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s sparkly boots...

This figurative painting titled "Representative" is an original artwork by Lauren Rinaldi made of oil on canvas. This piece measures 48"h x 60"w. Rinaldi’s new series was inspired by the feminist debate on how women's appearances are constantly judged, criticized and dissected; often done so with the intent of diminishing their work and contributions. This issue is prevalent in all industries, but especially in the very public and important realm of politics. Throughout mainstream media, Rinaldi found countless examples of coverage depicting what a female politician was wearing and why it was deemed “inappropriate”, rather than discussing their policies. Typical of Rinaldi’s practice, most of the works found in Representative are not classic portraits, but zoomed in studies of the subject’s legs, shoes and body from the neck down. By doing so, the work focuses on the experiences and outside societal forces that these women, and women like them, have faced. To create the works in Representative, Rinaldi used sourced photographs of female politicians that felt meaningful and powerful to her. Before painting or drawing, Rinaldi manipulates each image through cropping, elongating or changing its composition, background and color. Color is especially important in Representative, as it is an expression that is frequently rejected or criticized in politics by men. Rinaldi uses vibrant jewel tones and color swaps, like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s jacket from black to fuchsia, to represent the bold new ideas and diversity these women are bringing to United States politics. While Rinaldi does not specifically name any of her subjects, viewers will be able to recognize familiar leaders from across both sides of the aisle. Visitors will see snippets of stories through these works, like Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s sparkly boots...

"Eyed Wide" is an original artwork by Akira Gordon made from acrylic and oil on wood panel. This piece is a diptych and measures measures 48"h x 46"w complete. Akira hopes to give black people images that they can relate to in some way without making an overt political statement; instead, showing figures in leisure, doing the mundane and the ordinary. She finds the most authentic way to do this is through self-portraiture and referencing her experiences. She uses herself as a reference for her paintings because she believes examining your own life is important. Her artworks delve into the complex emotions associated with her struggle to transition into adulthood while clinging to the familiarity of "childish" things. It's an introspective journey, an attempt to reconcile the inevitability of growing up with the desire to preserve the youthful spirit that continues to reside within her. Akira Gordon, a Philadelphia-born painter and recent graduate of the University of the Arts, is a captivating artist driven by a passion for contemporary art and self-portraiture. Inspired by Kerry James Marshall and Sasha...

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Adebayo Taiwo, ...

This painting was inspired by the beauty and diversity of women, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating their worth. I aimed to capture the essence of femininity, elegance...

Sunday in Lagos is a vibrant tapestry of culture, fashion, and social activity, and for a "baddie girl," it’s the perfect day to showcase her unique style and charisma. The city come...

Do you wonder where inspiration comes from? That voice in your head? Your shadow self? Perhaps inspiration comes from looking and listening to something outside of yourself? In creat...